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Methodist University's Interim President and Provost to Retire

Dr. Delmas S. Crisp Jr., who twice stepped in to serve as interim president for Methodist University, announced his retirement Wednesday. Crisp has served as provost for the University since 2007.

“I have truly enjoyed my 12 years at Methodist and in the Fayetteville community and am proud of the quality of our academic, extra-curricular, and athletic programs,” Crisp said. “Methodist has a bright future ahead with the coming of its new president.”

Crisp previously served briefly as interim president following the retirement of President Elton Hendricks in 2010. Upon his arrival in 2011, Dr. Ben Hancock named Crisp executive vice president and then named him provost in 2017. He has been serving in the dual role of interim president and provost since Dr. Hancock retired as president May 31.

“Since arriving on campus, Del Crisp has taken on many roles − he has excelled at each position,” said Mac Healy, chairman of the Methodist University Board of Trustees. “Del’s dedication and commitment to Methodist is unmatched. We are a better place having had his leadership and knowledge.

“Methodist will forever be indebted for his selfless leadership,” Healy said. “He will be missed.”

Before joining the Methodist University staff, Crisp served as vice president for academic affairs, dean, chair and professor of English at Wesleyan College in Macon, Georgia. He has also served as head of the English department, director of freshman English and professor at Southeastern Louisiana University, Hammond, Louisiana.

Crisp earned his Ph.D. in British medieval and renaissance literature and linguistics, a master’s in British literature with emphasis in medieval literature, and a bachelor’s in English from the University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg, Mississippi.